Late Pregnancy SSRI Exposure & PPH (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension) in Newborns
Ohio Pharmaceutical Lawyer and drug injury attorney reviews late pregnancy SSRI Exposure linked to birth injury and birth defects
Prenatal SSRI exposure during late pregnancy is associated with increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, according to a BMJ meta-analysis. Combining data from seven observational studies, researchers did not find a link between prenatal SSRI exposure in early pregnancies and persistent pulmonary hypertension.
However, according to the study, late pregnancy exposures to SSRIs (roughly 20 weeks’ gestation or later) showed more than a doubling of risk, which could not be linked to other confounding factors. Researchers estimate that around 300 women would need to receive an SSRI in late pregnancy for one additional case of persistent pulmonary hypertension to occur. Some SSRI drugs include the following:
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- Citalopram (Celexa)
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- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
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- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
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- Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
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- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Vilazodone (Viibryd)
There is little more important in the medical field than protecting the health of pregnant mothers and newborns. The risks of drug exposure can be devastating and must be monitored by healthcare professionals and companies who produce drugs marketed to pregnant women.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated drug injury attorney representing plaintiffs nationwide in SSRI exposure birth injury cases. Filing lawsuits against drug makers can recover rightful compensation to help pay for medical expenses and long-term care costs.
SSRI Exposure & PPHN Birth Injury
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a birth defect defined as the failure of the normal circulatory transition occurring after birth. The syndrome is characterized by pulmonary hypertension that causes hypoxemia.
Infant survivors of PPHN are at risk of serious developmental disabilities—long-term cognitive problems such as a learning disability, autism, or ADHD. Birth injuries linked to medications are totally preventable and SSRI exposure lawsuits can be filed if a birth defect can be linked to drug use.
PPHN affects normal breathing, which presents obvious risks. The longer an infant is deprived of oxygen, the more hypoxic the baby’s blood becomes. Oxygen deprivation can cause the victim’s brain to react adversely, leading to death or severe injuries.
Prescribing doctors and mothers to be should be aware of the serious risks of almost every medication during pregnancy. The Lyon Firm works to engage medical professionals and drug companies who may fail to warn patients of certain health risks that can affect mothers and children.